The French Polynesia parliament building Photo: RNZ
A newly elected assembly member of French Polynesia's ruling Tapura Huiraatira Party is to stand trial in the second half of this year for abuse of public funds and fraud.
Benoit Kautai, who is also the mayor of Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, is alleged to have overcharged the territorial government for a roading project six years ago.
Mr Kautai was due to stand trial last month but the affair was put off at the behest of his lawyer because of the impending election.
If convicted, he could lose his eligibility and be forced to quit the assembly.
In the election last weekend, the Tapura emerged as the big winner, securing two thirds of all seats for the next five-year term.
Almost a third of its elected members have corruption convictions, including its leader Edouard Fritch.
Earlier this week, the president said he would be convicted soon in another case.
It relates to him as mayor of Pirae having billed the town for supplying water free of charge to the upmarket residence of his former father-in-law Gaston Flosse.
